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State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald introduced a new financial literacy teaching tool to Iowa teachers attending the (FCCLA) state convention.

DES MOINES, IA (03/24/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald introduced a new financial literacy teaching tool to Iowa teachers attending the Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state convention this week in Des Moines. "Financial Football" is an interactive computer game designed to prepare students to make informed personal finance decisions by challenging their knowledge on a host of money topics.

"I think we can all agree that knowing how to manage the money you have is every bit as important as being able to earn it," stated Treasurer Fitzgerald. "Financial Football is a great way to get students interested in personal finances and give them a financial playbook they can use the rest of their lives."

Treasurer Fitzgerald offers "Financial Football" to Iowa schools at no cost, thanks to a special partnership with Visa, Inc. and the NFL. The game comes with individual teaching modules on budgeting, saving and investing, the basics of credit use, and more. "The rules of the money game are complex and subject to change," Fitzgerald stated. "The consequences of poor money management can be costly and leave a lasting impact on a person's life."

The program is already being used across the state to engage students. West Monona High School senior Lauren Fink, part of the FCCLA Financial Fitness peer education team, presented "Financial Football" to 7th graders in her town and received receptive responses from those who participated. "We paired the students up and let them play the game following a structured lesson plan that gave lots of background information to the students," Fink stated. "The kids were having fun without realizing they were learning and were eager to play the game at home with their parents." Fink will be attending South Dakota State University in the fall to study secondary English.

Teachers can request a copy of "Financial Football" by contacting the State Treasurer's Office at 515-281-7003 during normal business hours. An online version of the game is available on the State Treasurer's website at www.treasurer.state.ia.us by clicking on the 'Financial Literacy' tab or by visiting iowa.financialfootball.com.